Salman Khan to Portray Colonel Santosh Babu in Hard-Hitting Galwan Valley War Film

May 19, 2025: Salman Khan is set to bring to life one of India’s most valiant modern-day war heroes on the big screen. The Bollywood superstar has signed a new film based on the life and ultimate sacrifice of Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, who was martyred during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh.

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The untitled film, to be directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is adapted from the acclaimed military book India’s Most Fearless 3 (2022) by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The story is rooted in the book’s first chapter titled I Had Never Seen Such Fierce Fighting, a harrowing and heroic account of the Galwan conflict, in which Colonel Babu and his 16 Bihar Regiment bravely defended Indian territory.

“Salman loved the story and felt deeply connected to the courage displayed by Colonel Babu and his unit. He begins his military prep at the end of May,” a source close to the project revealed.

A Tribute to a National Hero

Colonel Santosh Babu, then commanding officer of 16 Bihar, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, for his leadership and bravery in confronting the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on June 14, 2020. Despite being heavily outnumbered and suffering head injuries, he continued to lead from the front until his final breath.

The clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and several unconfirmed Chinese casualties. Colonel Babu was cremated with full military honours in his hometown on June 18, 2020.

From Page to Screen

The film’s screenplay has been adapted by Suresh Nair along with Chintan Gandhi and Chintan Shah, with Shah also handling the dialogues. It will explore not just the battle at Galwan, but also Colonel Babu’s decorated military career in counter-insurgency operations.

Production is set to begin in July, with a 70-day start-to-finish schedule planned across Mumbai and Ladakh. In addition to Salman Khan, the film will feature three young actors in significant supporting roles.

Why This Matters

The decision to adapt this story comes at a time when audiences are increasingly drawn to real-life tales of courage and sacrifice. Colonel Babu’s actions at Galwan continue to be remembered as a shining example of patriotism and leadership under extreme pressure.

Salman Khan’s commitment to the role — including physical training and military preparation — signals the gravity with which the actor is approaching this project.